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In the United States, the flu spreads the most during the fall and winter. The first day of fall is only a week away. Needless to say, the weather is already starting to change! For the most part, the fall season is already here. And along with a new season comes new viruses and illnesses. Now that most people are physically back at work and school, viruses and illnesses, such as the flu, will start to spread very easily. If you or a loved one comes down with the flu, there is no need to worry! With plenty of rest and treatment, you will be feeling better in no time. We provide a few quick tips to treat you or a loved one should you come down with the flu.
STAY HOME AS SOON AS YOU FEEL SICK
You should stay home the minute you begin to feel any symptoms. Not only does staying home help you get better faster but it also protects others that you may be surrounded by during the day as you go to work/school. While you stay home, the best thing to do is get plenty of rest, day and night.
GET TESTED
Experts have found that the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are relatively similar, so it is recommended that you get tested just to be extra sure. The flu and COVID-19 share symptoms including a bad cold, fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle pains. Although, COVID-19 is much more contagious and spreads faster. If you have any of these symptoms, get tested as soon as possible.
STAY HYDRATED
The more liquids you ingest, the faster you can overcome your illness. This is because consuming several liquids acts as a filter. Liquids provide electrolytes, get rid of waste from the body, and can also help with clearing up congestion and calming the sinuses. Juices and soups are the best liquids to consume when you are feeling ill.
KEEP SOME LOZENGES
As you are fighting off the flu, you might find yourself congested, having a hard time breathing comfortably. It would be best to keep some lozenges on your side because these tablets open up the airways. Some lozenges also have a numbing agent in them, so it can ease you of any pain you might be feeling in your throat.
RUN A HUMIDIFIER
A humidifier is meant to increase the moisture in the air. The more moisture you have, the less you have to deal with congestion, runny nose, and a dry cough. This is a great and quick alternative if you don’t have any medications on you when you come down sick. Leave this machine on for a couple of hours and you’ll be feeling better in no time!
TAKE HOT BATHS/SHOWERS
Just like a humidifier, running a warm bath or shower will immediately open up your airways and help ease any problems you have with breathing. When heat and moisture combine, things loosen. This can especially help with clearing your airways of mucus. It is recommended to take hot baths and showers right before going to sleep to get as much rest as possible.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM OTHERS
Although the flu might not be as contagious as COVID-19, it can still be easily contracted if you have exposed yourself to others or if you have been in close contact with others. If you live with others, try to spend most of your time in your room. Once you start to feel better, you can work on disinfecting to prevent anyone else from getting sick.
ASK A DOCTOR ABOUT ANTI-VIRAL MEDICINES
There are several prescription medications that immediately alleviate the symptoms of the flu. Antiviral drugs work best when they are taken one to two days of when the symptoms began. If you take antiviral drugs after this time period, it is not guaranteed to work or best as effective.
CONSULT WITH A DOCTOR
There are several instances when you should get seen by a doctor if you have the flu. If you have a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more or if your symptoms do not improve within two weeks, call a doctor and get seen as soon as possible. Ultimately, the best thing you can do is get seen by a doctor to receive a prescription.
GET TREATED AT THE EL PASO FAMILY & PEDIATRIC CLINIC
If you are feeling ill and want to receive the best methods of treatment, you can make an appointment with us. Contact us to learn more about what our clinic treats and covers.